Trendy Wednesday: All in the Invite

Trendy Wednesday by Jenna Paniccia

The second your wedding invitations hit the mail, your wedding has officially begun! Wedding invitations set the mood for what your guests will be experiencing on your big day. It’s a way to show off the ambiance and excitement that your wedding will be filled with.

There is so much to consider when choosing wedding invitations. All the little details can make a huge impact on something so quaint.

When considering the style of your invitations I think it’s best to design around your wedding colors versus your wedding theme. Invitations are planned out early in the wedding process. Most brides find a color palette that they love and stick with it; but when it comes to design of the wedding, theme changes are endless. Also, keep your personalities in mind. Do you want your wedding to be traditional and classic, or is your wedding going to be eccentric? Your answer to this question says a lot about the look and feel of your wedding invitations.

Planning the invitations can be a little stressful, and the less stress the better! Looking through invitations and finding details from a few that you love and then applying those details to your own invitations helps make the process run more smoothly. When you have a visual of something you really like it’s easier to come up with an overall concept.

Make sure to shop around before choosing a vendor! Invitations can get a little pricey, so it’s easy to go over-board. Really think about if you want to send a save the date, if you need to include directions for the venue, whether you’ll have a seated dinner with entrée options or a buffet style event… all of these questions can change the price of the overall outcome. Make sure the stationer you pick really understands what you are looking for before sending your design to print! Requesting a sample is always best to make sure you love the invitation as much as you love your dress.

Keep in mind that your invitation is like the pictures from your wedding. Ten years from now, you’ll want to look back and have fond memories of the whole process. Make sure you love every aspect that goes into the design and be proud to drop them in the mail. Have fun with it, be creative, and keep the invitations true to you.

Photo credit: ruffhouseart.com, vponsale.com, onewed.com, weddinginvitationscards.com, ohsobeautifulpaper.com, mostweddingflowerideas.com

Makeover Mondays: Fresh for Fall Brides

Makeover Mondays by Laurie Starkey

With the colder months fast approaching, so comes the seasons new makeup trends! While Spring/Summer bridal makeup tends to be brighter, colorful and flirty, Fall/Winter makeup lends itself to a deeper, richer and more sultry feel. Now, I know what some of you may be thinking; dark shades of lipstick or eyeshadow may frighten you, and the last thing you want is to resemble Cruella Deville on your big day! Well, I am here to tell you, you can still follow this seasons trends while still appearing soft and subtle.

When working with your makeup artist to choose the perfect makeup look, my recommendation is to pick one feature of your face to highlight with deeper tones, and balance the rest of your face with more neutral shades. Below are a few suggestions to help you identify the perfect look!

• Try a bronze smokey eye: The bronze smokey eye is my signature look! It provides the drama of a smokey eye without the harshness of the traditional black or grey smokey. This look brings the focus to the eyes with rich coppers, golds and deep chocolate colors which tend to look great on every complexion and eye color! I would pair this with a sheer glossy lip and peachy blush.
• Rock the cat eye!:  Throughout the decades, women from Audrey Hepburn to Jennifer Lopez have worn this classic look. However, in 2013 this iconic makeup trend has really come back full force! You can go with a thinner line for a more demure look, or play it up with a thicker bold line. I love to pair this with a classic red lip and light bronzey cheek.
• Go with a wine-hued stained lip: If you are looking to focus on your lips, deep berry tones are all the rage for the 2013 season. When choosing this look, here is a quick Makeup Artist secret. The darker lip shades, although gorgeous, are the most noticeable when smeared. Tell your Makeup Artist that you would prefer a lip stain as opposed to the traditional lipstick when going with these shades. Stains stay put for hours and are “kiss-proof” whereas the traditional lipsticks tend to smudge and smear very quickly. I would pair this with a matte neutral eye and a touch of rosey blush.

I hope these ideas give you food for thought on the best Fall/Winter inspired look for you!

Makeover Mondays: Naturally Radiant

Makeover Mondays are a new segment written by makeup artist Laurie Starkey

Every bride wants to have that flawless radiant glow on her wedding day. A great makeup artist is key to achieving your desired look on your big day, however a flawless makeup application actually begins with great skin. Although it will take some time and patience, below are some of my simple tips to help you achieve gorgeous radiant skin.

#1 Water: Believe it or not, water is my number one go-to beauty remedy. I recommend 8-10 glasses of water a day. Not only will the water replenish your skin and give you a supple hydrated appearance, it will also flush all the toxins out of your body. Remember, your skin is a reflection of what’s going on inside your body, so you want to rid of all the harmful toxins. To boost your water detoxification, add two capfuls of Bragg’s apple cider vinegar to your water 3 times daily.

#2 Exfoliation: Naturally we all accumulate dead skin cells on our face, and all over our body for that matter. Exfoliating can reveal healthy glowing skin under those dead cells. One of my favorite store bought exfoliators is the Burt’s Bees Deep Pore Scrub. You can find it in virtually any drug store and it’s 100% natural! Or, if you are a do-it-yourself’er like me, you can concoct a simple scrub with honey, lemon and sugar. It’s simple, natural and really does the trick! I recommend a scrub 1-2 times a week.

#3 Treat stubborn pimples: If you are dealing with a stubborn pimple or feel the dreaded onset of one, I recommend tea tree oil. Tea tree oil contains natural antibacterial properties which makes it a great alternative to harsh chemicals found in most acne treatments. If will effectively treat the pimple, without the dryness and irritation.

#4 Increase your fruit and veggie intake: As women on the go, it can be tricky getting all the nutrients and vitamins found naturally in fruits and vegetables. However, these foods are essential to fighting free radicals, improving your complexion and contributing to your overall health and well being! If you are not a fan of sitting down to a big green leafy salad, you might consider juicing. It’s a great way to pack tons of fruits and veggies into your diet with a quick convenient drink!

#5 Spare your pockets: As a makeup artist I’ve tried pretty much every potion, lotion and serum around. If you are anything like me, you are obsessed with trying all the new, so-called life changing beauty products on the market! Now, don’t get me wrong, there are some great products out on the market. However, as someone who has tried virtually everything under the sun, I am here to tell you the your natural glow begins on the inside. Planning a wedding can be a stressful time, so take time to give yourself a break once and a while. Drink plenty of water, make healthier food choices and enjoy this time before you say your “I-do’s” You will surely be radiating on your big day!

Trendy Wednesday: A Touch of Lace

Trendy Wednesday: Jenna Paniccia

One of my favorite wedding day trends is adding a touch of lace. Lace is not only a timeless look but adds the appeal of warmth and delicacy to a room big or small. This is a trend that we’ve seen in clothing, home goods (your grandmothers doilies are ringing a bell) and it is becoming more and more popular adorning designer dresses and even wedding cakes!

When thinking about where to incorporate this amazing trend, look for places that need a touch of elegance. For instance…

1. If your dress has a lace design, think about giving the lace to your baker. They can incorporate the same lace style into your cake. This is a sure show-stopper and never seems to get old.
2. I also love the idea of a lace invitation, or touches of lace in accessories. This is a great way to give your special day a 1950’s vintage inspired feel.
3. A venue space needs to feel inviting. The best way to make the room appealing to the eye is to use circular and rectangular shaped tables. This will give the space variety without making it look very cookie-cutter. On the rectangular tables you can add a lace runner. Having solid linens on the round tables and lace linens on the rectangular tables will give the venue such a warm feel.
4. If you are planning on having an outdoor wedding lace is wonderful for a beautiful garden inspired venue. Lace around the vases of your centerpieces and lace fabric napkins will give an enchanted night sophistication.
5. Lace wrapped around the stems of a bouquet can be the perfect touch to a very simple design. This is a great way to not go overboard with an oversized bouquet. Keep it simple and delicate.

Photo Credit: bellethemagazine.com, weddingpartyapp.com, amyaustinphotography.com, invitationsbyjalon.com, myinspiredwedding.com, greenweddingshoes.com, unitedwithlove.com

Trendy Wednesday: Mismatched Bridesmaids

Trendy Wednesday: Jenna Paniccia

Shopping for a wedding dress is like purchasing a new car. It has to be perfect, stunning, magnificent, and screaming your name from a mile away. Yes, you the bride are the center of attention, but your bridesmaids want dresses that make them feel just as stunning. Looking for the perfect bridesmaids dresses no longer needs to be a huge issue. Everyone has a difference of opinion, from what color looks best on them, to what cut flatters their figure, the list goes on and on.

When planning this big shopping day, approach it with an open mind. Give your bridesmaids options.

1. Pick a color scheme. Pick one color that you want the bridesmaids dresses to be and let them pick the best silhouette for themselves. If you really want to be daring and outlandish pick a color spectrum for the ladies to choose from.  Seeing different dress styles and colors can truly make a wedding come to life.  Not sure what colors go together?  Grab a couple paint swatches – they’ll give you variations on the color you want and you won’t have to worry about clashing!
2.  Different lengths are fun too! Shorter dresses a little above the knee have become quite popular. It’s more of a sophisticated-trendy look.
3. Play with pattern! Dresses that have touches of lace, stripes, and even embroidery can give your bridesmaids individuality that defines their personalities.
4.  If you don’t love the idea of having different bridesmaids dresses, try different colored shoes. Having the ladies pick their favorite shoes is a dream come true.

If you’re still not sold on the idea of mismatched bridesmaids, look for inspiration from the Sex and the City Wedding. How fabulous did those ladies look that day?!

Photo Credit: boards.weddingbee.com, rootedinloveweddings.wordpress.com, bellethemagazine.com, blogs.aexknows.com, weddingsbylily.com, beauxandbelles.net, blog.kristeenlabrotevents.com, feministe.us

Real Wedding: Lesley and Jeff

By Lauren Ricciardelli

Here’s a little cheer for your rainy Monday!  On June 1st we had the pleasure of working Lesley & Jeff’s beautiful New Jersey wedding.  Lesley was an absolute vision as a bride and you can’t help but smile when you’re around her and Jeff.  They’re such a loving and hilariously fun couple which is evident in all of these gorgeous pictures by Moss + Isaac.  The dance floor stayed packed all night with friends and family dancing, laughing and celebrating the happy duo. SUCH a fun-loving crowd!  Congratulations to an awesome couple – we can’t wait to plan future anniversary parties for you two!

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

courtesy of Moss + Isaac

Photography: Moss + Isaac

Month Out Coordination: Private Receptions

Floral Design: The Floral Gallery

Band: New York City Swing

Video: Ivan Pelaz Videography

Rentals: Angel Chair Rentals

It’s All in the Details: Black, White, and Chevron All Over

It’s All in the Details by Corine Brosseau

For the past couple years, we have seen chevron popping up all over the wedding world.  From sweet invites to stunning fondant covered cakes, this simple geometric pattern has been omnipresent in all sorts of wedding details.  The beauty of chevron is that it can be tailor made to fit any color palette you want, whether you’re loving spring’s trendy pastels or bright citrus hues.  However, sometimes the most timeless colors for a wedding are black and white.  Below, we’ve created an inspiration board that pairs chevron with monochromatic hues and a pop of metallic gold for some extra glitz.

Clockwise, from top left: The Inspired Bride, Martha Stewart Weddings, Little Blue Feathers, Juxtapost, Paper Source, Sweet Sorella, Joie Lala Photography, Style Unveiled

 

Would you incorporate the chevron trend into your wedding day?  How much of the pattern is too much?

Let us know your thoughts!

Manic Monday: Physical Release

Manic Monday: Alyssa Aiola

If you feel like you are alone when it comes to wedding stress we are here to tell you your not, in fact it’s expected.  Between planning, organizing and maybe even the entire aspect of getting married you have a lot to be over whelmed by. A simple easy way to channel all this pent up anxiety can be through something as simple and old school as exercise.  Exercise is proven to relieve all types of stress and there are so many different types and forms that you are bound to find something perfect for  you. Engaging in moderate exercise for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve your mood dramatically statistics show and an added bonus is you will tone up for the big day! Here are a few different forms of exercise that maybe you never even considered would help ease wedding day stress that are not only good for your body but also mental health.

• Yoga: Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits.

• Hot Yoga: Hot yoga is a vigorous form of yoga performed in a studio that is heated to 105 F (40 C) and has a humidity of 40 percent. The formal name for hot yoga is Bikram. Bikram yoga is a 90-minute program that consists of a series of 26 postures. The postures require lengthy, forceful and well-controlled contractions of all major muscle groups. The demanding nature of the poses and the heat are designed to raise your heart rate and tire your muscles.

• Restorative Yoga: While many forms of yoga offer a relaxing element to their practice, some poses and postures may require a lot of effort to maintain or get into—not exactly something you need to stress over if you’re burned out. Instead of moving from pose to pose, you’ll hold restful positions for a longer period of time, giving your body the opportunity to truly let go and releas

• NIA: which stands for Neuromuscular Integrative Action, is a blend of martial arts, dance, and healing arts. Done barefoot, this workout features a flowing blend of movement that combines deep breathing exercises with moves like kicks and turns to keep your heart rate elevated, your mind relaxed, and your body moving.

• Tai Chi: An ancient martial arts form originally developed in China, Tai Chi is a flowing, meditative series of movements designed to connect the mind and body and foster a sense of calm and serenity. But don’t be fooled by its peaceful nature—tai chi will keep you constantly in motion, engage your entire body, and offer a great mental challenge to stay present and in the moment.

• Kick Boxing: Combines elements of boxing, martial arts, and aerobics to provide overall physical conditioning and toning. Did we mention it is probably one of the best stress relievers if you just want to punch something, and no not your photographer!!!

• Koga: This unique form of exercise takes the best of yoga and kickboxing and combines them! Koga combines the mind-body mindset of yoga with the intense isometric and plyometric movements of boxing into one workout. Proponents of Koga say it increases your flexibility as well as burns fat and tones muscles.

let us know what forms of exercise has helped you cope with your wedding stress by commenting on our blog, writing on our facebook or tweeting to us!!

Fashion Fever: Gorgeously Gatsby

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

With the latest film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” right around the corner, the idea of showing up to your wedding looking like a 1920s film star is surely a popular one. Today, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fashion details taken right from the grand Gatsby tradition.

Clockwise, from top left: Glamour and Grace, Style Me Pretty, YolanCris, Style Me Pretty, Johanna Johnson, Michael Segal

1. Feathers – Opulent and dreamy, some stunning plumage really brings that vintage elegance to a wedding day ensemble. Whether at the bottom of a snug mermaid gown or as a beautiful element for a headpiece, they are a great way to incorporate a 1920s theme.

2. Headpieces – The more intricate, the better as far as headpieces go. A lace cap really brings to mind that quintessential Flapper style while an intricate headband is a bit more Daisy Buchanan.

3. Beading – A dress that skims close to the sides while simply dripping in elegant beading transports you back to the lavish parties at Gatsby’s home.

4. Dropped Waists – A dropped waist is the perfect silhouette for a 20’s look.

5. Bold Makeup – Dark, smoky eyes, wispy lashes, and a bold crimson lip add to the sultry intrigue of the 1920s woman.

These are just a few of the 1920s details we adore! Stay tuned for our latest project, a beautiful 1920s, Gatsby-esque inspiration shoot. Here is a sneak peek from the shoot, featuring our beautiful model, Alexis Monnie:

While you wait for the photos to drop, be sure to check out the amazing vendors we partnered up with for the shoot: Violet and Verde for florals, SB Beauty for hair and makeup, Hushed Commotion for the amazing headpieces, Saucy by Nature for catering, Cake Alchemy for the cake, Cloth Connection for linens, Little Vintage Rentals for amazing props and tableware, Angelique Bridal and Nearly Newlywed for the fabulous fashion, The Green Building for our lovely venue, and the amazing Moss & Isaac, whose photography brought it all together!!

Its All In The Details: Water Colors

Its All In The Details: Alyssa Aiola

Remember when you were little and you thought you were creating art masterpieces by blending all your watercolor paints together, well now you can be one! One of the biggest wedding trends and themes for Summer 2013 is the use of watercolors throughout your wedding. This theme is not only fun but it also is extremely feminine and romantic if you properly balance out the use of pastel shades with the soft texture of handmade brush stores. This trend is popping up everywhere from invitations, escort cards, backdrops, decor and even cakes. If your husband feels the theme might be to feminine, a great way to balance out the pastels is with a shade of navy blue.  Here are a few of our favorite wedding details sharing the wedding theme of water colors, let us know what you think!

Photo Cred from top left to right: OnceWed.com, Oncewed.com, Stylemepretty, Oncewed.com, Bellabloom floral design, Martha Stewart Wedding Design, Jose Villa Photographym, Artizia, Wedding Paper Divas.